Avoid getting sick: stay away from sick people. But when you need to visit your doctor's office? A recent study in the Journal of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiologysays well-child doctor appointments - like annual exams - result in more cases of flu-like symptoms within the next two weeks.

It's not just the kids who are suffering - family members have more risk, too. These findings don't mean you and your family should avoid visiting your doctor. But they are a wake-up call for prevention.

Americans wait about 24 minutes on average to be seen by their physicians. That's three times longer than the 8 minutes you'll spend with your provider, on average. On occasion, wait times can balloon to 2+ hours. That's a long time for patients, especially young ones, to avoid touching their mouths, noses and eyes.

Steps you can take:

Minimize waiting room time. At my Oak Park practice, we are able to provide a "no wait" schedule, because we limit the number of member-patients to far less than the typical office. You're usually waiting less than five minutes.

Technology can now allow you to interact with your doctor without setting foot in his or her office. At my practice, telemedicine lets me see and assess my patients via their smartphone, tablet or computer.

If you aren't ill and can choose, schedule doctor visits when fewer people are in that waiting room. Avoid getting your routine check-up during winter, when more people are sick, or try to schedule your appointment first thing in the morning.

Be proactive. If you or your child is sick, consider wearing face masks, often available at check-in at most practices. Help young kids to avoid shared toys and books. And of course, be diligent about hand washing.

Hold your doc accountable. Doctors and nurses are human, often hurried, and, just like everyone they can forget to wash their hands. Don't be afraid to speak up and ask them to do so before your exam.

And studies show that a doctor's stethoscope may actually contain more bacteria than a doctor's hands. It's not rude to ask politely for the surface to be wiped off with an alcohol pad prior to having it placed on your chest. It's smart.

So you may want to avoid the waiting room altogether and join a membership medicine practice. Our Oak Park members rarely wait. After check-in, they're brought back to a private room where I see them promptly.

Our on-time appointments and our smaller patient roster means no waiting. We offer our members no-rush office visits, often half an hour or longer as needed (not 8 minutes!) as well as quick access to the doctor via cell phone and email and a very thorough 2.5-hour annual physical exam.

If that is of interest for you and your loved ones, consider paying us a visit. I would be pleased to show you our offices and explain further. Call us at 888.531.3844 or email info@wellcomeMD.com for more information.

WellcomeMD - Concierge Medicine

WellcomeMD provides comprehensive, preventative and proactive care for all of our members. Our physician’s and their teams are committed to not only improving patients’ outcomes, but also improving their quality of life. We provide a conscientious standard of care in an unhurried environment, where the patients come first. WellcomeMD offers a wide range of services for our members.

You become a WellcomeMD member by enrolling with our doctor’s and pay a monthly fee. This membership fee is a departure from the way mainstream practices are organized, of course. But the fee allows a concierge doctor to see a much smaller number of patients. It provides more of that precious ingredient of quality care: the doctor’s time with you, and knowledge of your health history. WellcomeMD will make it possible for you to be in much closer touch with your doctor, via email and even by the doctor’s cellphone – you have the number. You will pay your co-pays, just as you do in a regular practice.

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Our member amenities are designed to help you maintain your health, prevent disease, and live a more vibrant life.

Thorough Annual Physicals

Advanced Labs

Advanced Genetic Testing

Physician-led Health Coaching

Proactive, Preventative Care

Unrushed Office Visits

Same-day or Next Day Appointments for Acute Care

24/7 Access via Phone, Email, and Text

Telemedicine Appointments

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Living well means making the choice to start today.

Membership medicine re-establishes the kind of personal relationship with your physician that was once commonplace while taking advantage of the many advances in treatment and technology. WellcomeMD members experience medicine that is both more personal and more effective. See what we mean today!